act

Something that someone does, especially something with an important effect.

• That was a kind act.
• His brave act saved two lives.
• Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

How to use it: act of something (Giving her your coat was an act of kindness.)

Similar words: action, deed

Common phrases: act of kindness, brave act, act of violence

A law officially agreed and introduced by a government or parliament.

• Parliament passed a new act.
• The act protects workers from unfair treatment.
• Several sections of the act were amended last year.

Similar words: law, statute

Common phrases: act of parliament, new act, under the act

The process or moment of doing something.

• We caught him in the act.
• The act of reading can calm your mind.
• She was interrupted in the act of opening the door.

How to use it: in the act of doing something (She was caught in the act of stealing.); the act of doing something (The act of writing helps me think.)

Common phrases: in the act, act of reading, act of writing

Behaviour intended to make people believe something about you that is not true.

• Her tears were just an act.
• He fooled everyone with his friendly act.
• Was his surprise real or an act?

Similar words: pretence, pretense, performance

Common phrases: all an act, just an act, convincing act

One of the main parts of a play or similar performance.

• The first act was short.
• The curtain fell at the end of the act.
• The opera has three acts.

Common phrases: first act, final act, opening act

A proposed law that has not yet been officially agreed.

• The proposed act awaits a vote.
• The committee reviewed the draft act.
• Members suggested changes to the act before it became law.

Similar words: bill, legislative proposal

Common phrases: proposed act, draft act, debate an act

To behave in a particular way.

• You are acting strangely.
• He acted calmly during the emergency.
• Why does she act like a child?

How to use it: act like someone/something (He acts like a child.); act + adjective (Try to act normal.); act as if… (She acted as if nothing had happened.)

Similar words: behave

Common phrases: act strangely, act like someone, act as if

To do something to deal with a situation or achieve a result.

• We must act now.
• The manager acted quickly to solve the problem.
• Will the council act on our complaint?

How to use it: act on something (The police acted on a tip from a neighbour.)

Similar words: take action

Common phrases: act quickly, act on advice, act immediately